What to Wear and the Weather

Attire for the ISHLT Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions is business casual. Because meeting room temperatures sometimes fluctuate, we recommend bringing a sweater or jacket.

The average daytime high temperature in Sydney in April is 23°C (73°F); the average low temperature is 18°C (64°F). Sydney’s autumn weather can shift during the day, warm in the sun, chilly in the evenings. A light or medium-weight layer for evenings is essential.

 Traveling with Prescription Medication

Declare all medications on your incoming passenger card. It is strongly recommended that you carry all medications in their original packaging whenever possible and bring documentation (either a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor), particularly for injectable medications, controlled substances, or larger quantities of medication.

Some medications that are available over the counter in other countries are controlled substances in Australia. For the most up to date information, you should check the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website to see which prescriptions qualify.

 Customs and Declarations

Australia has strict biosecurity rules designed to protect its unique agricultural and natural environment. These are enforced seriously and penalties for non-declaration are significant. When you arrive, you must declare:

• Any food items (including snacks, packaged goods, fruit, and meat)
• Plant material including seeds, wooden items, and fresh flowers
• Animal products including feathers, shells, and untreated leather
• Soil or items that have been in contact with soil
• More than $10,000 AUD in cash or equivalent

When in doubt, declare it. Customs officers are generally reasonable about innocent items that are declared. What attracts penalties is non-declaration. For the most up-to-date information on customs and declarations, visit the Australian Border Force website.